[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Difference Between BSN and MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multiple educational pathways lead to careers in the nursing profession, including those culminating with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor’s degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master’s degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN). Nurses must get their registered nurse (RN) licenses before entering an MSN program, and one option for aspiring RNs includes pursuing a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While students can streamline their journey to RN licensing with a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN), the BSN curriculum provides the most effective preparation for graduate nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the best option requires considering several factors, such as job opportunities, desired salary, the time and money students can dedicate to their education, and specialization interests. This page offers information and guidance to help with decision-making.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Essential Things to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Considering the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s nursing degree can help you select the best path to achieve your goals. Your particular circumstances, such as whether you already work as a nurse, hold an RN degree, or haven’t started your nursing education yet, provide a starting place.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The time commitments and costs of earning a traditional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/bsn-vs-msn-vs-dnp/”]BSN or MSN[/hen-ui-link] can range from four to seven years. Accelerated or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] can shorten the timeframe for qualified students and reduce tuition and fees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary differences can be pretty significant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses totals $75,330 per year, while master’s degree-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn a median annual salary of $117,760.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career longevity should also be considered. Certain specialty areas may contribute to nurse burnout, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]critical care[/hen-ui-link] and emergency room work. The amount of patient interaction is also something to take into consideration. RN positions involve extensive patient care, while master’s-level nursing degrees may open more doors to administrative, leadership, or research jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS publishes projected job outlook statistics, which can also provide insight into your likelihood of getting hired. Nurses with master’s degrees can expect a 45% projected employment increase from 2020 to 2030, while BSN-holders should see a projected 9% in job growth during the same period. An MSN may increase your marketability, particularly if you aspire to hold leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]BSN and MSN Anatomy[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below lists side-by-side details of traditional BSN and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/top-affordable-rn-to-msn-programs-online/”]MSN degree programs[/hen-ui-link], so you can compare and contrast credit requirements, program traits and length, and potential earnings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Comparison Between BSN and MSN Degree Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]BSN[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MSN[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Credits Required[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]120[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]36-60[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Traits[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]General education, nursing prerequisites and training[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Specialty-driven curriculum, advanced nursing core courses and clinicals[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Program Length[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Four years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]1-3 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Earning Potential[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]$75,330[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]$117,760[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Features of a BSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time commitments for nursing degree completion vary by program and depend on factors that include full- or -part-time enrollment, in-person or online study, specialization area, prior educational experience, and job experience or licensure. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]Accelerated BSNs[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] can shave 2-3 years off educational timelines for qualifying students. Applicants should check their options for the programs that interest them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While programs may impose different criteria, typical admission requirements include academic transcripts, 2.5-3.0 GPAs, SAT or ACT scores, and a resume.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN programs prepare graduates to take and pass their [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm” target=”_blank”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN), a requirement to obtain an RN license. BSNs also provide the most comprehensive preparation for RN practice and further education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Features of an MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] include the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]BSN-to-MSN:[/hen-ui-text] These programs usually take 2-3 years to complete and require a BSN and clinical nursing experience. MSNs can be earned online or in-person, with onsite clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]RN-to-MSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text] RNs who hold an ADN or nursing diploma may qualify for these 3- to 4-year programs that include BSN coursework. Online and hybrid study is commonly offered.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]Direct-entry MSN:[/hen-ui-link] These accelerated programs admit applicants with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees and apply those credits toward an MSN. Direct-entry MSNs can take 18 months to three years to finish and feature online, on-campus, or mixed format options. These students will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam at some point before they can practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other common admission requirements include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2.5-3.5 GPAs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GRE or MAT scores[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal essays[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of reference[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/the-added-value-of-a-msn-degree/”]MSN curriculum[/hen-ui-link] prepares students for advanced practice nursing careers as nurse practitioners caring for a specific patient population, certified nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, along with administrators, nurse leaders, nurse educators, and researchers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advantages to Earning BSN or MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLS statistics highlight the many nursing positions available to BSN-holders with high projected job growth and starting salaries but also show the added value of spending an extra couple of years earning an MSN. The table below outlines the advantages of each degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Comparing [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree//”]Advantages Between BSN and MSN Degrees[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]BSN[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MSN[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Strong projected job growth of 7%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Much stronger employment growth projection of 45%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Broad nursing preparation and knowledge base[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Opportunities to specialize and focus on patient populations[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Intensive patient interaction[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Options to care for patients or pursue leadership and administrative roles[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Preparation for graduate study[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Opens doors to doctorate-level nursing education[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]General education and nursing-specific didactic and clinical training[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Coursework in advanced nursing topics, management, leadership, research, and informatics[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”BSN”]Potentially high salaries[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MSN”]Six-figure incomes for most positions[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do MSN educated nurses make more than BSN-holders?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN-holders make thousands more per year than those with BSNs. Nurses with BSNs bring in less than $53,000 for the lowest 10% to more than $116,000 for the highest 10%. The lowest 10% of MSN-educated nurses earn less than $84,000, and the highest 10% make more than $190,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a BSN and MSN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-trained nurses hold an RN license, provide care to patients as part of a team of medical professionals, and can hold leadership and management positions. MSNs open doors to advanced nursing that includes specialties like anesthetics, midwifery, [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]family nurse practice[/hen-ui-link], and even higher nursing administration and leadership roles. MSNs also find [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]careers in higher education[/hen-ui-link] and research.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What can an MSN do that a BSN can’t?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSNs can get higher-level positions in clinical nursing and nursing practice, along with administrative roles, research, and management. MSNs can also complete their doctoral degrees in shorter timeframes and earn advanced certifications in specialty areas. MSN-holders, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link], can practice more independently than RNs, but the degree to which they can do so depends on their state laws.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are BSN to MSN programs hard?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing an MSN carries challenges, such as balancing a heavy course load of advanced topics with clinical rotations, although there are non-clinical degree options. Nursing students put in long hours, and some continue working or take care of other obligations while they earn their degrees, which adds to the burden.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34029,34248,34244,34238″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Shrilekha Deshaies MSN, RN, CCRN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/e_grayscale/v1629922631/experts/Shrilekha_Deshaies.jpg” img-alt=”Shrilekha Deshaies MSN, RN, CCRN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrilekha-deshaies-57008133/” target=”_blank”]Shri Deshaies[/hen-ui-link] is a nurse educator with over 20 years teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Most recently Deshaies taught in Syracuse, New York where she had the pleasure of teaching lab skills, tutoring students, writing scripts, and performing in the video demonstrations used for skills validations. Deshaies offers private tutoring to nurses preparing for school [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]exams as well as the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link] exam and has worked with dozens of students with an excellent pass-rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Her clinical area of expertise is [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]critical care nursing[/hen-ui-link] and is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Deshaies’s passion for health equity and reducing hospitalization has led her to practicing nursing in the community as a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/home-healthcare-nurse//”]home health nurse[/hen-ui-link]. This passion has also extended into the homeless community where she provides nurse advocacy, navigation, and education to homeless men through the non-profit organization, Nurses Serving our Neighbors (NSON), of which she is a founding member. Deshaies recently completed a course to become a faith community nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-size:small; font-style:italic;”]Featured Image: Terry Vine / DigitalVision / Getty Images[/hen-ui-text]